Career Fair Creates Opportunity
Students connect with employers at networking eventSamantha NitzTHE SANTA CLARAOctober 2, 2014
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith over 1,300 students attending, Santa Clara’s largest career fair since the economic recession took place yesterday.Students had the opportunity to connect with over 160 employers in Malley Center, who were in attendance specifically to meet with Broncos and share job and internship opportunities. Many students saw the event as their chance to learn more about employers, hand out resumes and make lasting impressions that could lead to a future after graduation.Eager students crowded Malley Center clad in their best business professional attire looking to set themselves apart from their classmates.Though it feels as if the year has just started, it’s already necessary for students to look forward, and begin pursuing their future career optionsJunior Tyler Wenker said, “I’m coming up on a pivotal summer for my future. It may seem early, but many kids are offered jobs after junior year; it’s a huge weight to think that this could be the make or break.”Santa Clara students prioritize summer internships that could help strengthen their resume and make lasting connections. Students such as Wenker made their rounds amongst the hundreds of tables and recruiters hoping to find a prospective employer who would make use of their unique skills, education and qualities.Recruiters represented a variety of companies, such as Gap, Texas Instruments and Visa. The list of employers at the fair has been steadily growing every year.
Whether an engineering, business, or arts and sciences major, there were positions available. Half of the employers present at the fair had positions available for all majors.Career Center Director Elspeth Rossetti said, “Many students define themselves by their major, but you get to a career fair and you see that it’s really your interests and your skills that employers care about.”
With the workforce becoming more competitive, students are beginning to question what makes them stand out among their classmates.“It’s hard to find what employers want these days,” said junior Claire Parchem. “The Career Center has given us so much help with resume editing and critique, yet there is no magic formula. In situations like these, you need to come prepared to impress, even if you don’t know with what.”When asked about what she suggests to appeal to recruiters, Rossetti, said, “Dress to impress and do some research on the companies before you meet them. When you show up and you’re informed and prepared, that’s what will set you apart from other students.”
In addition to career fairs every quarter, the Career Center offers a variety of services to Broncos looking to make their way into the professional world. Contact Samantha Nitz at snitz@scu.edu .